Three-dimensional take-apart puzzle



Jan. 13, 1953 |..H. STEINHARDT 2,625,399

` THREE-DIMENSIONAL TAKE-APART PUZZLE Filed April 13, 1949 '7 Sheets-Sheet l f D ad g4. /62

INVEN TOR. JHM/V /f STH/WHW?? BY fm @n z? HMM/016W Jan. 13, 1953 1. H. STEINHARDT 2,625,399

THREE-DIMENSIONAL TAKE-APART PUZZLE Filed April l5, 1949 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 A. INVENTOR. 1I: l /m//A/@Hgm//VWW E BY fm' e? Jan. 13, 1953 l. H. sTElNHARDT THREE-DIMENSIONAL TAKE-APART PuzzLE '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 15, 1949 l I I Jan. 13, 1953 l H. STEINHARDT 2,625,399

THREE-DIMENSIONAL ,TAKE-APART PUZZLE Filed April 13, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 mi g4 E El l INVENToR, ma 7M/m50? Jan. 13, 1953 1, H. STEINHARDT THREE-DIMENSIONAL TAKE-APART PUZZLE Filed April l5, 1949 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 m r i@ i" Z7 TK Ei TK E Zw 53 E Jan. 13, 1953 l. H. STEINHARDT 2,625,399

THREE-DIMENSIONAL TAKE-APART PUZZLE IN VEN TOR. @mfg H sm/Amy Jan. 13, 1953 l. H. sTElNHARDT THREE-DIMENSIONAL TAKE-APART PUZZLE 7 sheets-sheet 7 Filed April l5, 1949 247/22 y@ 6,# 254247 247 ft,il-.. al E i5 E EQEEU T1 il @-52 r 242 j INVENTOR. mi MWA/5H 5TH/VWM 247 A i) E 244 .Z6 I l Z v* 7Z T1 EE! Patented Jan. 13, P1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,625,399 g THREE-DIMENsIoNAL TAKE-APART PUZZLE Irving Hartley steinharat, New YorleN. Y. 7

Application April 13, 1949, Serial No'. 877,166

Claims. l

This invention relates to puzzles, and more particularly to three-dimensional take-apart puzzles.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a three-dimensional take-apart puzzle which in its fundamental concept may be embodied in various geometric bodies or diierent simulated objects.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a three-dimensional take-apart puzzle which is characterized especially by its quality of attracting and holding the interest of anyone working the puzzle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a puzzle which, for it solution, not only requires coordination and intertting of the pieces thereof in a certain order for their correct assembly, and separation of these pieces in the reverse order -for their dis-assembly, but further requires shifting of certain intertted pieces relative to each other in order to admit other parts into, or remove them from, intertting relation with other intertted parts.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a three-dimensional take-apart puzzle having pieces which, when assembled, simulate a baseball, especially by having the externally visible edges of the pieces extend so that they form the simulated seams of the baseball.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings:

Figs. 1 and 2 are front and side elevational views, respectively, of a piece of a puzzle embodying the present invention;

Figs. 3 and 4 are front and side elevational views, respectively, of another piece of the same puzzle;

Figs. 5 and 6 are front and side elevational views, respectively, of a third piece of the same puzzle;

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are front, side and rear elevational views, respectively, of a fourth piece of the puzzle;

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the piece shown in Figs. 7 and 9;

Figs. 1l, 12 and 13 are front, side and rear elevational views, respectively, of a fifth piece of the puzzle;

Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the piece shown in Figs. 11 to 13;

Figs. 15, 16 and 1'7 are front, side and rear 2 elevational'views, respectively, of the end piece of the puzzle;

Fig.` 18 is -a top plan view of the same end piece;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the rst two pieces of the instant puzzle in assembled relation;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view, partly in section, of the rst three pieces of the puzzle in assembled relation;

Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the pieces of Fig. 20 is a dierent relative position;

Fig. 22 is a plan View of the rst three assembled parts of the puzzle, as viewed in the direction of the arrow 22 in the Fig. 21;

Fig.'23 is a section taken on the line 23--23 of Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 is a section similar to Fig. 23, but with the fourth piece of the puzzle inserted for nal assembly, with the assembled pieces shown in Figs. 20 to 23;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view partly in section, of therfirst four pieces of the puzzle as shown assembled in Fig. 24;

Fig. 26 is a view similar to Fig. 25, showing the fourth piece in its final assembled relation with the first three pieces of the puzzle;

Fig. 27 is a view of the partly assembled puzzle shown, and as viewed in the direction of the arrow 2l, in Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 is a view similar to Fig. 27, illustrating the manner in which the partly assembled puzzle is conditioned for the reception of the fifth piece thereof;

Fig. 29 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the pieces shown in Fig. 28, the section being taken on the line 29--29 of Fig. 28;

Fig. 30 is a view similar to Fig. 29, and showing the fth piece of the puzzle inserted for its subsequent final assembly with the previously assembled pieces of the puzzle;

Fig. 31 is a view similar to Fig. 30, but showing the last inserted piece of the nozzle in its nal assembled relation with the previously assembled pieces of the puzzle;

Figs. 32 and 33 are sections taken on the lines 32-32 and 33-33, respectively, of Fig. 31;

Fig. 34 is a View similar to Fig. 31, and showing the end piece of the puzzle assembled with the rest of the pieces thereof;

Fig. 35 is a section taken on the line 35-.35 of Fig. 34;

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the puzzle assembled from the pieces shown in Figs. 1 to 18;

Figs. 37 and 38 are perspective'views'of a puzzle embodying the present invention in a modied manner;

Fig. 39 is a fragmentary top plan View of the modied puzzle, showing the end piece thereof partially removed;

Figs. 40 and 41 are front and rear elevational views, respectively, of a piece of a third puzzle which embodies the present invention in a further modied manner;

Figs. 42 and 43 are bottom and top plan views, respectively, of the piece shown in Figs. 40 and 41;

Figs. 44, 45 and 46 are front and rear eleva*- tional views and a bottom plan View, respectively, of another piece of the third puzzle;

Figs. 47, 48 and 49 are front and `rear eleva* tional views and a bottom plan view, respectively, of a third piece of the third puzzle;

Figs. 50, 51 and 52 are front and rear elevational views and a bottom'plan View, respectively, of a fourth piece of the third puzzle;

Figs. 53, 54 and 55 are front and rear elevational views and a bottom plan view, respectively, of a fifth piece of the third puzzle;

Figs. 56, 57 and 58 are front and rear elevational views and a bottom plan view, respectively, of the sixth and iinal piece of the third puzzle;

Fig. 59 shows the first two pieces of the third puzzle in initially vassembled relation, ready .for the reception of the third piece;

Fig. 60 shows the third .piece of the third puzzle in initially assembled relation with the first two pieces thereof;

Fig. 61 shows two of the three initially assembled pieces in their iinal assembled relation;

Fig. 62 shows the fourth piece of the third puzzle in its iinal assembled relation with the first three pieces thereof;

Fig. 63 is a section taken on the line 63--63 `of Fig. 62;

Fig. 64 shows the first four assembled pieces of the third puzzle conditioned for the reception of the fifth piece thereof Fig. 65 is a view similar to Fig. 64, and shows the iifth piece of the thirdV puzzle assembled with the first four pieces thereof;

Fig. 66 is a View similar to Fig. 65, but illustrating the manner in which the partly assembled puzzle is conditioned for the reception of the .sixth and final piece thereof Fig. 67 shows the partly assembled puzzle of Fig. 66 when viewed in a direction opposite to that in which it is viewed in Fig. 66; and

Figs. 68 and 69 are different views of the 'fully assembled third puzzle.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 36 thereof, the reference numeral designates an example of a three-dimensional take-apart puzzle which embodies the ,present invention. The instant puzzle is in the form of a cube, and is composed of several, in the present instance six, `separate pieces which may be interfitted in one certain 'order only Vfor their correct assembly, and separated from each other in the reverse order for their dis-assembly. These pieces are characterized primarily by their different shapes which do not readily suggest their coordination and assembly into finished form, so as to render the task of vassembling these pieces highly interesting and absorbing. The various pieces, conveniently identified by the letters A, B, C, D, E and F in the order oftheir assembly, will now be described.

Figs. 1 and y2 show the .piece A of the puzzle. This piece 'comprises a base 82 and a projecting key element 84 which may be made integral with the base 82. The base 82 is, in the present instance, a block of square outline having parallel sides 86 and bevelled sides 88. The key element 84 is essentially U-shaped, having its open end closed by a cross bar or bight portion so as to deiine a rectangular opening or aperture 92 in the element 84. The cross bar or bight portion is only half as wide (Fig. 1), but is of the same thickness, as the remaining sides'of the yelement 84. Further, the key element 84 is located centrally of the base 82 when viewed in Fig. l, but

located to one side of the center of the base 82 when viewed in Fig. 2.

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate the piece B of the puzzle. 'This piece comprises a base |82 and a projecting key element |64 which may be integral with the base |02. The base |62 is, in the present instance, exactly one half the size of the base 82 of the piece A, as appears clearly from a comparison between Figs. Zand 4. The key element |04 comprises a U-shaped portion |06, having opposite legs |88 and a connecting yoke l I0 from which projects a T-shaped portion H2 of onehalf the thickness of the U-shaped portion HD. In the present instance, the gap H4 between the T portion H2 and the adjacent leg |08 of the U portion of the element |84 is equal to thewidth of `either' one of the legs 94 of the interlock elemen-t *84 of the piece A. vThe base |02 -of the piece B is provided with one bevelled side H3 which, like the bevelled sides 88 of the base 82 of the piece A, extends at 45 to the bottom surface of the base.

Figs. 5 land 6 show the piece C of the instant puzzle. This piece comprises a base |22 which is in all respects like the base 82 of the piece A, and a projecting key element |24 which is in the form of an inverted U. As shown in Fig. 6, the keyelemen't |24 is 'oiset to one side of the'center of the base |22.

Figs. 7 to l0, inclusive, show the piece D of the puzzle. This piece is a companion to the piece B and comprises a'base |32 and a projecting key element |34, having a Uf-shaped portion |36 with opposite legs |38 and a connecting yoke |40, and a square portion |42 which projects from the yoke |40. 'The =Ushaped portion |36 of the instant piece D `(Fig. 8) is `of the same thickness as the corresponding lU-sliaped portion of the piece B (Fig. 4.), and is recessed at |44 for the fitted reception of the cross bar H2 of the T-shaped portion H2 of the piece B when the latter is assembled with the instant piece D in inverted relation therewith (Figs. 25 and 26) Figs. 1l to 14, inclusive, show the piece E of the-puzzle. This piece comprises a base 55 of the same dimensions and shape as the bases S2 and |22 of the pieces A-and C, respeotivelyfand a projecting key element |52. The key element |52 is provided with a U-shaped portion |54 with opposite legs |56 and a -connectingyoke i5,and a tongue |68 which projects from the yoke |58 and is of half the thickness of the U-shaped portion |54 (Figs. l2 and 14). The base 650 is recessed at |=62-so as to be there continuous with the tongue |60 of the key element E52 (Figs. 12 and 13), and the tongue |64 is recessed at |64 for the fitted reception of the cross bar '98 of the piece A (Fig. 3l).

Figs. l5 to 18, inclusive, show the end vpiece F of the puzzle. This piece comprises a base 11D which is in all respects :like the bases B62, |32 and |55 of the pieces B, D and E, respectively, and a projecting key element |12. The key element |12 comprises a Ushaped'portion |'|4 with the opposite legs |16 and a connecting yoke |18, and a tongue |80 which projects from the yoke |18. The tongue |30 is of one half the thickness of the U-shaped portion |14 (Fig. 16), and the latter is recessed at |82 to be there flush with the tongue |80.

In putting the puzzle together, the parts A and B thereof are first assemblies inthe relation shown in Fig. 19, in which the U-shaped portion |06 of the piece B is interlocked with the legs 94 of the piece A. In order to accomplish this interlock :between the pieces A and B, the latter have to be manipulated so as rst to extend the cross bar ||2 of the T portion I2 of the piece B through the key element 84 of the piece A, then bring the legs 94 of the piece A into alignment with the U portion |06 of the piece B behind the cross bar l2 of the T portion ||2 thereof by shifting the piece A, for instance, on the other piece in the direction of the arrow |90 in Fig. 19, and nally move the legs 94 of the piece A into registry with the U portion |06 of the piece B. Next, the piece C is assembled with the previously assembled pieces A and B, by interlocking the key element |24 of the piece C with the T portion ||2 of the piece B in the fashion shown in Fig. 20. To this end, the key element |24 of the piece C is rst passed over and behind the cross bar H2 of the T portion ||2 of the piece B in the direction of the arrow |94 in Fig. 20, and is then shifted at right angles to the arrow |94 into interlocked relation with the T portion ||2 of the piece B.

The pieces A, B and C may, in their interlocked relation as shown in Fig. 20, be shifted relative to each other in the direction of the arrow |92 in Figs. 20, 21 and 22. Thus, the piece B may be slid between the pieces A and C from the position shown in Fig. 20 into the positions shown in Figs. 21 and 22, and vice versa. When the parts A, B and C assume the relative position shown in Fig. 22, the part C may be slid away from the other parts A and B until the side |24' of the key element |24 of the part C' engages the T portion I2 of the part B.

For assembling the piece D with the previously assembled pieces A, B and C, the latter pieces are shifted Iinto the relative position shown in Figs. 21, 22 and 25 in order to permit the insertion of the square portion |42 of the piece D into the gap |98 (Fig. 22) between the T portion ||2 of the piece B and the superposed portions |24 and 84 of the key elements of the pieces C and A, respectively. With the square portion |42 of the piece D thus inserted into the gap |98, the same is in alignment; but not yet in interlocked relation, with the recess |99 (Figs. 22 and 23) which is formed by the T portion I I2 and yoke ||0 of the piece B, the superposed legs |23 and 94 of the pieces C and A, respectively, and the cross bar 90 of the piece A. When thus aligned with the recess |99, the square portion |42 of the piece D may be interlocked therewith by sliding the piece B from the position shown in Fig. 25 into that shown in Fig. 26. With the pieces A, B, C and D assembled and interlocked with each other as described, they assume the relative position shown in Figs. 26 and 27.

Next, the piece A is retracted from intertted relation with the interlocked pieces By and D until the cross bar 90 of the piece A engages the elements B and D (Figs. 28 and 29) in order to admit the next piece E into intertting relation with the piece C in the direction of the arrow 20| in Fig. 30. More particularly, retraction of the piece A from interfltted relation with the interlocked pieces B and D, as described, provides for the admission of the tongue |60 of the piece E into the opening 203, the length and width of which are shown in Figs. 27 and 29, respectively. When the piece E is thus inserted into the partly assembled puzzle (Fig. 30), the groove |64 in the tongue |60 of the piece Eis in alignment .with the cross bar 90 ofthe piece A, and is interlocked therewith von reshifting the latter into intertted relation with the interlocked pieces B and D (Fig. 31). The re-shift of the piece A into interfitted relation Vwith the interlocked pieces B and D clears theV passage 2|0 in the partly assembled puzzle (Figs. 31, 32 and33) for the fitted reception of the vtongue of the end piece E to be inserted (Fig. 34). When the end piece F is thus inserted, the puzzle is iinished (Fig. 36), and the tongue |00 of the end piece F locks the piece A againstretraction from the pieces B and-D and, hence, prevents therdisassembly of the puzzle, as is now obvious from the preceding description. ItA also follows from the preceding description that the puzzle may be completed only when assembling the pieces thereof .in the order described herein. When the puzzle is assembled, the tongue |80 of the end piece .F extends, in the present instance, completely through the piece E (Figs. 34, 35 and 36), though this is by no means necessary. If the tongue |80 of the end piece F extends completely through the piece E as shown, the end of the tongue |80 exposed on the outer surface of the piece E may well indicate to an observant Worker of the puzzle how to start its disassembly. Also, the exposed end of the tongue |80 on the'outer surface of the piece E may serve as a convenient anchorage for a key chain, for instance, in connection with which the puzzle may be used. Such a chain (not shown) would necessarily be of a thickness to permit sufcient withdrawal of the end piece F from the assembled pieces and sufficient retraction of the piece A from interfitting relation with the parts B and D, for the assembly and disassembly of the puzzle.

In taking the puzzle apart, the end piecev F thereof is first removed direction of the arrow 2|2 in Fig. 34, leaving the puzzle in the condition shown in Fig. 31. The piece A isnext retractedfrom the position shown in Fig. 31 to that shown in Fig. 30 in order to release the piece E from interlock with the piece A and permit the removal of theformer piece from the puzzle in the direction of the arrow 2|3in Fig. 30. On removal of the piece E from the puzzle4 (Figs 28 and 29), the pieces A and C may be relatively shifted vtoward each other into the position shownin Figs. 26 and 27 to permit the relative shift between the pieces B and D requisite for the release of the piece D from interlock with the piece B (Fig. 25). The same release of the piece D from interlock with the piece B may be accomplished by sliding the piece D relative to the piece B to the left as viewed in Fig. 29, in which case the piece C will follow the piece vD into the relative position shown in Fig. 25, being taken along by the square portion |42 of the piece D which extends through the key element |24 of the piece C and then engages the portion |24 of the latter. On release of the piece D from interlock with the piece B (Fig. 25), the former is removed from the remaining assembled pieces A, Band C in the direction of the arrow 205 in Fig. 25, leaving the vfrom the puzzle. in the latter :pieces yin the relation ishown in. Figs. 21 and 22. Next, the piece'C is removed from the pieces A and B by rst shifting it the direction of the arrow 2|4 in Fig. 22 to release it from interlock with the T portion ||2 of the pieceB, and then passing it with its key element |24 over and away from the T portion of the piece B, as will be readily understood. The remaining pieces A and B (Fig. 19) may then readily be disassembled .in a self-suggestive manner.

As earlier mentioned, the present invention may be embodied in puzzles `Which may be in the form of various geometric bodies or simulate diierent objects. LIn this connection, .reference is had to Figs. .37 to 39, inclusive, which show a modified puzzle 230 .of egg shape. The several, in the present instance six, pieces .A'.,.B, C', D', E and F of this modied puzzle may be provided with the same characteristic key elements as the corresponding pieces A, B, C, D, E and F of the above-described puzzle 10. However, the bases 82', |02', |22', |32'., |50', and of the respective piece A', B', C', D', E' and F' are, due to the different shape of the instant puzzle 230, dilerently formed than the bases of the corresponding parts A to Fof the puzzle l0. Also, while the bases of the pieces A to F of the puzzle l0 intert with each other in part along their meeting beveled sides as indicated at 232 in Fig. 36, for instance, the bases of the pieces of the modied puzzle 230 may be so constructed that they intert with each other, by Way of example, along rectangularly disposed meeting surfaces thereof, as is shown in Fig. 39 in which the end piece F' is partly removed from the puzzle in the direction of the .arrow 233. Due to the provision on the pieces A' to F of the modified puzzle 230 of the same characteristic key elements as those provided on the corresponding parts A to F of the puzzle l0, it stands to reason that the modied puzzle 230 is Worked in the same manner as the puzzle 10. In view of this, it is deemed unnecessary `to give any further description of the construction of the pieces A' to F' 'of .the .instant puzzle 230, or of the mode of their assembly or disassembly. Reference is now .had toFigs. 68A and-69 which show vanother modinedpuzzle 2140 that resembles, byway fof examplefa baseball having the usual cover .flaps 242 and 244 which 'are customarily ,ioined along Vtheirseamby stitches 246. The instant -puzzle 240 is, likethe puzzle l0, composed of vsix dierent pieces A, B", C", D", E" and F, which may be provided with the same-characteristic key elements 'as `the corresponding pieces `A to F of the puzzle 10. Due tothe spherical shape of the instant puzzle 240, lthe bases of the ypieces A" .to F are Anecessarily shaped dierently than thebases of the corresponding pieces of the puzzle 10.

For a betterunderstanding of the construction ofthe `instant puzzle 240, theindividual Vpieces A to F thereof are illustrated inFigs. 40 to 58, inclusive. Thus, Figs. 40 to 43, inclusive, show the piece A", the `same having -abase 82 and a projecting key element 84 -of which the latter is of the same characteristic construction as the key element 84 of the `corresponding 'piece A of the Apuzzle 10. Thefbase 02 of the piece A is, as already mentioned, diierently shaped than the base y82 of the corresponding piece A of the puzzle 1G, and is primarily vcharf'icterized -by its part-spherical :outer surface 259 which forms a part, and Vmore exactly one-half, of Ythe cover nap .244 -of the Vbaseball (Fig. 69). The contiguration of the .base 82" of the pieceA" is inother respects also diierent from that of `the Vbase `82 of the piece A of the puzzle 10, but no detailed description of such further .conguration of the base 82" is deemed necessary, particularly Vsince the form of the latter may, aside fromits outer part-spherical surface 250, be selected from the point of view of making the base of the simplest possible form for reasons of economy in molding or machining the piece A, and of .accurately intertting the base 82 of the piece A" with the bases of the adjacent pieces of the instant puzzle.

Figs. 50 to 52, inclusive, show the piece B" which is provided with a .base |02" and a key element |04" of which the latter is of the same characteristic construction as the key element |04 of the correspondingpiece B of the `puzzle l0. Like the base 82 of the piece A and the bases of the .other pieces of the instant puzzle 240, the base |02" vof the piece B is differently shaped than the base of the corresponding piece B of the puzzle 10. Thus, the .base |22" of the piece B is, for instance, provided with an outer partspherical surface 252 which forms a part, and more exactly one-quarter, of the cover flap 242 of the assembled baseball puzzle 245 (Fig. 69).

Figs. 44 to 46, inclusive, show the piece C which comprises a base |22 and a key element |24 of which the latter is of the same characteristic construction as the key element |24 of the corresponding piece C of the puzzle l0. The base |22" of the piece C" is provided with an outer` part-spherical surface 254 which in the assembled puzzle forms a part, and more exactly one-half, ofK the cover flap 244 of the baseball (Figs. 68 and 69).

Figs. 47 to 49, inclusive, show the piece D" which comprises a base |32" and a key element |34 of which the latter is of the same characteristic construction as the key element i3d of the corresponding piece D of the puzzle '10. The outer surface 256 of the base |32 of the piece D" is part-spherical and forms a part, and more exactly one-quarter, of the cover flap 242 of the assembled baseball puzzle 24U (Figs..68 and 69) Figs. 53 to 55, inclusive, show the piece E" which comprises a base |50" and a key element |52" of which the latter is of the same charac teristic construction as the key element |52 of the corresponding piece E of the puzzle 10. YThe outer surface 258 of the base |50 of the piece E is part-spherical and forms a part, and more exactly one-quarter, of the cover flap 242 of the assembled baseball puzzle 260 (Figs. 68 and v69).

Figs. 56 to 58, inclusive, show the end piece F which comprises a base |10 and a key element |12" of which the latter is of the same characteristic construction as the key'element |f|2 Aof the corresponding end piece F of the puzzle 10. The outer surface 260 of the base |10 of the piece F" is part-spherical and forms a part, and more exactly one-quarter, of the cover lap 242 of the assembled 'baseball puzzle 240 (Fig. 69)

The assembly of the pieces A to F" of the instant puzzle 240 is the same as the assembly of the corresponding pieces of the puzzle 'I9 and, hence, requires little explanatory description. However, Figs. 59 to 67, inclusive, illustrate progressive steps in the assembly of the pieces A" to F" which will give a clear understanding of the mode in which these pieces are assembled. Thus, the pieces A and B are initially assembled by interlocking their key elements 84 and |54 in the fashion shown in Fig. 59. With the pieces A" and B" in the initially assembled `A9 relation shown in Fig. 59, it is possible to bring Ythe next piece C" into initially assembled relation with the pieces A and B" as is shown in Fig. 60. The piece C" may thereupon be shifted into its final assembled relation with the piece A" (Fig. 61). With the pieces A, B and C in the relative disposition shown in Fig. 61, it is possible to insert the next piece D" so that its key element |34l will be in alignment, but not yet in interlocking engagement, with the key element l |14" of the piece B. Such interlock between the key elements |34" and |04" of the pieces D and B is accomplished on sliding the latter piece into its final assembled relation with the piece A" (Figs. 62 and 63). Next, the'piece A" is retracted from the other assembled pieces B", C and D (Fig. 64) for removing its key element 84" from the path of the key element |52" 'of the piece E" next to be inserted into the passage 262 between the piece C" and the interlocked pieces B" and D". On insertion of the piece E" into the partly assembled puzzle (Fig. 65), the piece A" is reshifted into its final assembled relation with the interlocked pieces B" and D" (Figs. 66 and 67), thereby interlocking its key element 84" with the key element |52 of the piece E" last inserted. 'NeXt, the endpiece F" is inserted to complete the puzzle, the key element |12" of the end piece F extending, in the presentinstance, through the piece E and being exposed at the outer surface 258 of the latter (Fig. 68), to be available for the convenient anchorage thereon of a key chain, for instance.A

The simulated stitches 246 along the seam of the cover fiaps 242 and 244 of the assembled baseball puzzle 240 may be formedby appropriate projections 241 on the outer exposed faces of the pieces thereof along those edges which meet in the assembled puzzle to define the seam of the cover fiaps 242 and 244. In order to carry the deception of the singleness of either cover flap 242 or 244 even further, -at least the outer exposed surfaces of the pieces of the puzzle which complement each other to form either cover flap, may be colored the same, but differently than the outer exposed surfaces of the puzzle pieces which complement each other to define the other cover flap. A

It appears from the foregoing that the instant puzzle 24|) may be completed only on as- D sembling the pieces thereof in the. order abovedescribed. It is, therefore, also obvious that the puzzle 240 may be taken apart onlyon disassembling the pieces thereof in the reverse order in which they are assembled. In view of the above description of the assembly of the pieces of the puzzle 24|), it is deemed'that their disassembly is now quite obvious and requires no further description.

While the bases of the pieces A to F" of the puzzle 240 may, as earlier mentioned, assumeany desired configuration outside of their imperative part-spherical outer surfaces, they are, with the exception of the lattersurfaces, preferably dened by flat planar surfaces throughout, so as to simplify the molds in which the pieces may be molded. While I have shown and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that various changes may b'e made in the present invention without departing from the underlying idea or principles of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

'- -Having tlm-described my invention, what I :claim land desire to secure byIietters Patent,is:

1.` A three-dimensional take-apart puzzle,com prising six complementary pieces having outer portions, respectively, collectively defining the surface of a body of predetermined shape in the assembled relation of said pieces, one of said pieces :being an end piece and inwardly projecting key elements, respectively, of which all except that yof said end piece are interlocked with each other against relative movement in any direction in the assembled relation of said'p-ieces, the key elements of two opposite pieces being of inverted U-shape with their bight portions positioned remote from their outer portions, respectively, of which the U element of one of said opposite pieces is shorter than that of the other opposite piece, a second piece of said six complementary pieces having an element insertable through the U element of 'said one piece and shaped to interlock therewith against relative movement :between them in a first direction widthwise of the latter U element, and the U element of said other piece being passable over said element of said second piece into inverted superposed relation with the U element of said one piece in which said element' of said second piece and U elements are interlocked against relative movement in a second direction thicknesswise of said `superposecl U elements but free for relative movement in a third direction longitudinally of the latter, a third piece of said six complementary pieces having a key element insert'- able in both of said U `elements inA juxtaposition to said second piece element, and shaped so as to be shiftable in said third direction into interlock with said second piece element and with the U element of said other piece in which the latter element is held against movement in said first direction and said third piece element is held against movement in said first and second directions, the key element of a fourth piece being in'- sertable in the U element of said other piece to be held thereby against relative movement between them in said first direction, and being shaped to interlock with the U element of said onepiece against relative movement between them in said second and third directions on relative movement of said opposite pieces toward each other in said third direction, and the key element of said end piece being insertable in said U elements to lock said second piece and third piece elements and U elements against relative movement in said third direction, each of said U elements comprising opposite side bars and a connecting bight portion and said element of said second piece comprising a recessed portion having a bottom and a `T-shapecl portion projecting from said bottom of which said recessed portion receives the opposite side bars of the U element of said one piece and said T portion overlaps one side bar of thev U elements of said other piece in its superposed relation with the U element of said one piece.

2. A three-dimensional take-apart puzzle, comprising six complementary pieces having outer portions, respectively, collectively defining the surface of a bodyV of predetermined shape in the assembled relation of said pieces, one. of said pieces ibeing an end piece and inwardly projecting key-elements, respectively, of which all except `that of said end piece are interlocked with each other against relative movement in any direction in thek assembled relation of said-pieces, Vthekey elements of two opposite pieces being of inverted vU-shape with their bight portions positioned re- .mote from their 'outerportions, respectively, of

which the U elementoone of said opposite pieces is shorter than that of the other opposite piece, a second piece of said six complementary pieces having an element insertable through the U element of said one piece `and shaped to interlock therewith against relative movement between them in a iirst` direction widthwise of the latte-r U element, and the U element of said. other piece being passable over said element of said' second piece into inverted superposed relation with the U element of said one piece in which -said element of said second piece and U elements are interlocked aga-inst relative movement in a second direction thicknesswise of said superposed U elements but free for relative movement in a third direction longitudinally of the latter, a; third piece of said six complementary pieces having a key element inserta-ble in both of said U elements in juxtaposition to said second piece element. and shaped so as to be shiftazble in said third direction into interlock with said second :piece element and with the U element oi' saidV other piece, in which the latter element is held against movement in said nrst direction and said third piece element is held against' movement in said first and second directions, the key element of a fourth piecebeing insertable in the U element of said other piece to be held thereby against relative movement between them in said iirst direction, and being shaped to interlock with the U element` of said one pieceV against relative movement between them in said second and third directions on relativemovement of said opposite pieces toward each other inA said third direction, andthe key element ofisaid end piece' being insertable in said U elements to lockv said second piece and third piece elements and U' elements against relative movement in said third direction, each of said U elementscomprising opposite side bars and a connecting bight portion,` lsaid element of said second piece comprising a grooved portion having a bottom and a T-shaped portion having a stem projecting from said bottom and a cross member spaced from said grooved portion, of which the latter iittedly receives the side bars of the U element of said one piece and thestem of said T portion extends through said ttedly received U element and also through the superposed U element thereabove and engages the superposed arms oi said U elements at one side thereof, and the U element of said otherpieee is widthwise movable into saidsuperposed relation with said ttedly received U element and beneath the cross memberv of said T portion.

3. A three-dimensional takes-apart puzzleLcomprising six complementary pieces having outer portions, respectively,r Collectively defining the surface of a body of predetermined shape in the assembled relation of said pieces, one of said pieces, being an end piece and inwardly projecting key elements, respectively, of which all except that of said end piece are interlocked with each other against relative movement in any directionin the assembled relation of said pieces, the key elements i two opposite pieces being of inverted U-Shane. with their nicht portions' positioned remote from their outer portions, res pectively, of'which the U element of one of' said opposite pieces is shorter than that of the other opposite piece, a second piece of said six complementary pieces having an element insertable through the U element of said one piece and shaped to interlock therewith against relative movement between them in a first direction widthwise ofthe latter U element, and the U elehaving-'a stem projecting'from said ment of said other piecebeingpassabl'e: over said elementof said-second piece into inverted superposed relation with theA U element. of said one piecel in. which said element of said second piece and U elements are interlocked against relative movement in a second direction thcknesswise of said superposed U elements but free for relative movement in a third direction longitudinally-of the latter, a third piece of said six complementary pieces having ay key element insertable in both of said U elements in juxtaposition to said second piece element, and shaped so as to be shiftable in said third direction into interlock with said sec'- ond piece element and with the U element of' said other piece in which the latter element is held against movementv in said irst'direction and said thirdpiece element is held against movement in said rst and second directions, the key element of a fourth piecefbeing insertable in the U element of said other piece to be held thereby against relative movement between them in said rst direction, and being shaped to interlock with the U element of said one piece against relative movement between them in said second and third directions on relative movement of said opposite pieces toward each other in said third direction, andthe key element of said end piece being insertable in said U elements to lock said second piece and third piece elements and U elements against relative movement in saidthird direction, each of said U' elements comprising opposite side bars` and a connecting bight portion, said element of said second piece comprising a grooved portion having a bottom and a T-shaped portion bottom and a cross member spaced from said grooved portion, of which the latter ttedly receives the side bars of the U element of said one piece and the stem of said T portion extends through said ttedly received U element and also through the superposed U element thereabove and engages the superposed arms of'said U elements at one side thereof, and the U element of said other piece is widthwise movable into said superposed relation with said ttedly received U element and beneath the cross member of said T portion, and the key element ofv said third piece extends into the superposed U elements and is overlapped by the cross member of said T portion and extends between the stem of the latter and the superposed bars ofthe U elements at the other side thereof.

4. A three-dimensional take-apart puzzle, comprising six complementary pieces having outer portions, respectively, collectively defining the surface of a-body of predetermined shape in the assembled relation of said pieces, one of said pieces being an end piece and inwardlyproj'ecting key elements, respectively, oi" which all except that oi said end piece are interlocked with each other against relative movement in any direction in the assembled relation of said pieces, the key elements of two opposite pieces being of inverted U-shape with their bight'portions positioned remote from their outer portionsrespec tively, of which the U element ofY one of said opposite pieces is shorter than that of the. other opposite piece, a second piece of said six complementary pieces having an element insertable through the U element of said one piece `and shaped to interlock therewith against relative movement between them in a nrst direction Widthwise of the latter U element, and the U element of said other piece being passable over said elementof said second piece into inverted superposed relation with the U element of said one piece in which said element of said second piece and U elements `are interlocked against relative movement in a second direction thicknesswise of said superposed U elements but free for relative movement in a third direction longitudinally of the latter, a third piece of said six complementary pieces having a key element insertable in both of said U elements in juxtaposition to said second piece element, and shaped so as to be shiftable in said third direction into interlock with said second piece element and with the U element of said other piece in which the latter element is held against movement in said rst direction and said third piece element is held against movement in said rst and second directions, the key element of a fourth piece being insertable in the U element of said other piece to be held therebyagainst relative movement between them in said rst direction, and being shaped to interlock with the U element of said one piece against relative movement between them in said second and third directions on relative movement of said opposite pieces toward each other in said third direction, and the key element of said end piece being insertable in said U elements to lock said second piece and third piece elements and U elements against relative movement in said third direction, each of said U elements comprising opposite side bars and a bight portion, and the key element of said fourth piece being a tongue ttedly insertable between the opposite side bars of the U element of said other piece and having a groove for interlock with the bight portion of the U element of said one piece.

5. A three-dimensional take-apart puzzle, comprising six complementary pieces having outer portions, respectively, collectively dening the surface of a body of predetermined shape in -the assembled relation of said pieces, one of said pieces being an end piece and inwardly projecting key elements, respectively, of which all except that of said end piece are interlocked with each other against relative movement in any direction in the assembled relation of said pieces, the key elements of two opposite pieces being of inverted U-shape with their bight portions positioned remote from their outer portions,

respectively, of which the U element of one of said opposite pieces is shorter than that of the g ment of said other piece being passable over said element of said second piece into inverted superposed relation with the U element of said one piece in which said element of said second piece and U elements are interlocked against relative movement in a second direction thicknesswise of said superposed U elements but free for relative movement in a third direction longitudinally of the latter, a third piece of said six complementary pieces having a key element insertable in both of said U elements in juxtaposition to said second piece element, and shaped so as to be shiftable in said third direction into interlock with said second piece element and with the U element of -said other piece in which. the latter element is held against movement in said first direction and said third piece element is held against movement in said iirst and second directions, the key element of a fourth piece being insertable in the U element of said other piece to be held thereby against relative movement between them in said rst direction, and being shaped to interlock with the U element of said one piece against relative movement between them in said second and third directions on relative movement of said opposite pieces toward each othei1 in said third direction, and the key element of said end piece being insertable in said U elements to lock said second piece and third piece elements and U elements against relative movement in said third direction, each of Said U elements comprising opposite side bars and a bight portion the key element of said fourth piece being a tongue fittedly insertable between the opposite side bars of the U element of said other piece and having a groove for interlock with the bight portion of the U element of said one piece, and the key element of said end piece being another tongue ttedly insertable between the opposite superposed side bars of said U elements and interposed between said elements of said second and third pieces on the one side and the interlocked bight portion of the U element of said one piece on the other side.

IRVING HARTLEY STEINHARDT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,099,159 Banic June 9, 1914 1,189,527 Barnhardt July 4, 1916 1,521,808 Fox Jan. 6, 1925 1,546,024 Reichenbach July 14, 1925 2,178,190 Stenhardt Oct. 31, 1939 

